It does not speak well for the city politic of Lancaster when J. Richard Gray runs unopposed for a third term as mayor.
This is not to detract from his accomplishments or his worth. But certainly there are other able individuals, issues to be debated, suggestions to be made, and constructive criticism warranted.
It isn’t as though Lancaster has had a long line of Democrat mayors. Gray’s predecessor, Charlie Smithgall, is a Republican.
Part of the problem may be the position is viewed as a dead end for younger political aspirants.
It is not a good thing for an elected leader to avoid having to face his or her constituents both in groups and individually. The city needs to elect mayors, not anoint kings.
In most regards, I think that Gray is unopposed shows he has a high approval rating. Things are going well in the city and I believe most people feel the biggest problems are beyond his control (not that he isn’t trying to address them).
Who would want the job anyway? The pay is mediocre, even with the benefits, the hours are bad, the big problems are very hard to resolve, and there a plenty of critics. We’re lucky to have Rick Gray IMO, and perhaps some people didn’t agree with Smithgall’s opinions, but it would be hard to say he’s not interested in what’s best for Lancaster City.
I would prefer to see many more candidates for city council, which if lopsided politically and not highly skilled. I think if city council were open to property owners, rather than only residents, some better talent would emerge and the focus might return to making the city more successful, rather than some of the issues being addressed currently.